Sickle Cell Trait and Renal Disease

I ndividuals with sickle cell trait (SCT), the heterozygous state of sickle hemoglobin β-globin gene (HbAS), are generally reassured that their health will not be affected by their carrier status. Renal disease, especially hematuria, is one of the most common and severe complications experienced by patients with sickle cell disease (SCD); but a complete understanding of the relationship between SCT and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still lacking. In this short review, we present an overview of SCT and renal complications in SCT, and discuss and identify SCT as a risk factor resulting from an interplay between genetic and environmental influences. Although SCT itself may not be a disease in itself, there is evidence suggesting clinical conditions related to SCT. Additionally, we highlight the rationale for further studies into this area, which could affect the global public health recommendations on any associated health risks.